Tennessee Titans draft: Some answers, more questions

We’ve had a few days to digest how the Tennessee Titans handled the 2014 NFL Draft.

They made two trades over the three days, but wound up with the same number of picks they had when the selection process started last Thursday.

History will judge the Titans’ class of 2014 of course, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start judging it now.

Here’s my take on the best pick, most questionable pick, the biggest regret, the starter on the spot and the position that still needs to be addressed.

Best Pick

The Titans had the pick of the litter at running back in the second round. Washington’s Bishop Sankey was the top-rated player at the position. The 5-foot-9, 205-pounder has the classic low-to-the-ground, elusive style that leads to consistently picking up chunks of positive yardage, which is why he averaged 144 yards per game last season. He’s a good receiver as well. He should be a nice option alongside Shonn Greene and Dexter McCluster.

Most Questionable Pick

Fifth-round pick Avery Williamson was a tackling machine and high-character leader at Kentucky, but will his college success translate to the NFL? There’s some concern the 6-foot-1, 246-pounder lacks the necessary speed to chase down running backs or keep up with backs and tight ends on passing plays. He at least should benefit from the presence of another former Wildcats linebacker Wesley Woodyard.

Biggest Regret

The Titans did draft a talented player in Zach Mettenberger – they did trade up to grab him – but with so many questions at quarterback, did they address the position early enough? The Titans didn’t have the firepower to move up for the likes of Blake Bortles, and I don’t think they wanted to tailor their enture system for Johnny Manziel. I liked what I saw of Derek Carr’s arm strength, intelligence and maturity. Perhaps, the Titans should have dropped back in the first round or moved up in the second to pick him.

Starter on the Spot

Michael Oher has to be the starting right tackle, considering the fact he just signed a four-year, $20 million contract. First-round pick Taylor Lewan may have been the third-best tackle in the draft, but at least two national analysts said he would have been the best tackle in the 2013 draft- better than first and second overall picks, Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel. In other words, it could be hard to keep Lewan out of the starting lineup. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Lewan will get early reps at both left and right tackle, so perhaps Michael Roos get bumped from left to right.

Position That Still Needs to be Addressed

Maybe the replacement for kicker Rob Bironas is on the roster in the strong-legged Maikon Bonani or undrafted free agent Travis Coons from Washington. The plan is to let those two battle it out, with another kicker perhaps joining the mix at some point. Color me skeptical. Replacing one of the most accurate kickers in recent years is easier said than done. You can bet the Titans are keeping their fingers crossed.